Flax Seed Oil Information

Health Benefits

Eyes

Studies have found that omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA), and by extension, flax seed and flax seed oil, can reduce the risk of macular degeneration, an eye disease that destroys vision by damaging nerve cells in the eye. The results of a Harvard study, published in August 2001 in the Archives of Ophthalmology, showed that people with a high intake of omega-6 (vegetable oils) were more likely to develop macular degeneration, while those with a combination of lower omega-6 intake and high omega-3 intake (a main component and benefit of flax seed oil) were less likely to have the disease.

Flax seed is good for combating dry eyes, a very common problem probably because of our poor omega-3 intake. Dry eyes are usually the result of an insufficient outer oil layer in the tear film, so the water in the tears don't have anything to keep it from evaporating. Omega-3 fatty acids, again, the main benefit of flax seed oil, help the oil glands produce the proper consistency of oil so it will flow from the oil glands and coat the surface of the eye.

Another benefit of flax seed oil is that it can improve eyesight and apparently, also improve the perception of colors.